Final, 2-1 Jamaica: It’s all over at the Georgia Dome. Jamaica stuns the United States and advances to the Gold Cup final for the first time in its history.

David has slain Goliath in CONCACAF terms, as Jamaica celebrates its upset victory over Team USA in the semifinals. Mattocks and Barnes scored within five minutes of each other, sending Team USA into an insurmountable hole. Bradley halved the Reggae Boyz’ lead early in the second half, but Jamaica repelled every one of Team USA’s subsequent forward raids.

Jamaica’s victory and Team USA’s defeat both are historic events, and there will be plenty of fall-out, as the U.S. heads to the third-place game on Saturday while Jamaica prepares for a major-tournament final.

Final #USMNT 1-2 Jamaica
Jamaica advances to its 1st-ever Gold Cup final, beating the U.S. on the road for the 1st time ever in 14 games.

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67th minute, 2-1 Jamaica: Zardes shoots over the crossbar from criminally close range, as Team USA constructs, but ultimately wastes, another flowing attacking move.

59th minute, 2-1 Jamaica: Dempsey volleys a corner kick toward Jamaica’s goal, but it deflects off a defender and goes out for a corner kick.

57th minute, 2-1 Jamaica: The second half continues at a frantic pace, as Team USA counters a Jamaica corner kick. The sequence ends when Bradley fires a shot off Thompson’s chest, which bounces off the post and away from danger.

Pressure is on now! USA clear and go coast to coast on the counter and Bradley's shot is off the hands and the bar! http://t.co/CE3KdlPI2c

Halftime, 2-0 Jamaica: That’s the end of the first half. Jamaica leads by two. Yes, you read that correctly.

The U.S. enters the break wondering what hit ’em. Things were going relatively smoothly for the United States over the first half-hour until Mattocks flicked Jamaica to an unexpected lead. Team USA still was composing itself when Barnes rocketed home a free kick just three minutes later. The U.S. finds itself in unexpected territory.

USA 0-2 JAM (43') #GoldCup2015 - Only one country has won in Gold Cup after trailing by 2 goals (USA 2-4 MEX, in the 2011 final)

Team USA was playing with plenty of confidence but lacked a bit of sharpness and killer instinct — perhaps due to travel and field conditions. Credit to Jamaica for making the most of their opportunities. They’re playing with no fear of “Goliath.”

27th minute, 0-0: Barnes skies his shot from just 10 yards out after Mattocks created an opening for him inside Team USA’s penalty area.

24th minute, 0-0: Zardes shoots over Jamaica’s goal from 18 yards out, as Team USA threatens on the counter-attack.

23rd minute, 0-0: Johannsson nearly finds Dempsey with a short pass in Jamaica’s six-yard box, but defenders clear the danger in desperation.

22nd minute, 0-0: Johnson runs onto Bedoya’s pass inside Jamaica’s penalty area and attempts to cross into the goal-mouth, but defenders block it out for a corner kick. Jamaica manages to clear one, then a second, corner kick.

18th minute, 0-0: The United States is hogging possession, but Jamaica’s deep-lying and well-organized defense is making it difficult for the hosts to break through. Bedoya and Zardes can open space by positioning themselves closer to the sidelines and attack the wings with pace.

Pregame: Klinsmann continues to chop and change his lineup as he has done throughout the tournament.

Brooks and Evans take places on the back line in the center and right, respectively. Brooks was suspended for the quarterfinal win over Cuba but he returns to the starting 11 at Omar Gonzalez’s expense. Evans replaces Timmy Chandler, who suffered a minor knee injury in the first half against Cuba. Evans has been a stabilizing force when has played in the Gold Cup.

Klinsmann goes with the same front six that tore Cuba to shreds. Johannsson will lead the forward line, bringing mobility and clinical finishing to the U.S. attack. Dempsey will play underneath him, as the second striker — his favored position.

Zardes and Bedoya will provide width and energy, and Bradley and Beckerman will look to control the tempo from the center of the midfield.

But history won’t decide which team advances to the final. The players on the field will.

Clint Dempsey has fired the U.S. to the last four in this year’s Gold Cup. The red-hot forward has scored six goals in four Gold Cup games, leading the tournament in the all-important statistic. Dempsey’s continued good form bodes well for Team USA, which is buzzing following its 6-0 thrashing of Cuba in the quarterfinals.

The result of Jamaica’s first knockout-stage game wasn’t as eye-catching as Team USA’s, but the 1-0 win over Haiti put the Reggae Boyz into the Gold Cup semifinals for just the third time in their history and the first time since 1998. Jamaica head coach Winfried Schafer will rely on group cohesion and aggression honed throughout this summer (the Reggae Boyz competed in the 2015 COMNEBOL Copa America in June) against a team he calls the “Goliath” of CONCACAF. Schafer also hopes the likes of forward Giles Barnes can strike Team USA where it hurts.

The winner of USA-Jamaica will face the winner of Mexico-Panama on Sunday in the Gold Cup final. The losers of both games will face off Saturday in the third-place game.

USA-Jamaica kicks off at 6 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from the Georgia Dome.

Final, 6-0 United States: It’s all over at M&T Bank Stadium. Team USA celebrates the most emphatic of wins and is on its way to the semifinals.

The U.S. took this game by the scruff early and never let go, dominating Cuba for 90 minutes and delivering a thorough beat-down. Dempsey’s hat-trick and Johannsson’s stunner will make the headlines, but the margin of victory is down to Team USA’s complete performance and Cuba’s utter capitulation.

#USMNT 6-0 win in #GoldCup quarterfinals is their largest at Gold Cup in team history & tied for 5th largest in all competitions. #USAvCUB

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64th minute, 4-0 United States: Horta fouls Johannsson inside Cuba’s penalty area, and the referee awards Team USA a penalty kick. The referee cautions Horta for the foul on Johannsson, who had found space to reach Evans’ cross into the box.

30th minute, 2-0 United States: Cuba’s under more pressure, as the U.S. counter-attacks through Dempsey. The American goal scorer tries to beat his man on the dribble and shoot, but his effort’s blocked, and subsequent shots meet the same fate before Cuba clears.

29th minute, 2-0 United States: Corrales rolls a shot wide of Guzan’s goal in Cuba’s first shot of the game.

24th minute, 2-0 United States: Team USA has all the possession and is sharing the ball among its 10 players, but Cuba has maintained its shape and made it difficult for Team USA open up its defense. Team USA must increase the tempo of its passing, which is difficult to do in temperatures approaching 95 degrees (35 degrees Celsius).

17th minute, 2-0 United States: Zardes slides a pass into Cuba’s goal-mouth, but the goalkeeper intercepts it before Johannsson can arrive. The United States is hunting for more goals and a blowout.

15th minute, 2-0 United States: Zardes doubles Team USA’s lead.

Johnson lofted a cross into Cuba’s penalty area, and Zardes ran onto it and volleyed it home.

11th minute, 1-0 United States: Team USA has seized control of this game, following Dempsey’s goal. The hosts are dominating possession and probing their way into Cuba’s half, albeit to no more avail.

Sixth minute, 1-0 United States: Team USA started its first three games of the tournament slowly, but Dempsey’s strike give the Americans the opening they’ve been looking for this summer.

Fourth minute, 1-0 United States: But Dempsey makes it a dream start for Team USA by heading home Chandler’s cross. Chandler shows he’s genuinely two-footed with a fine delivery into Cuba’s penalty area.

1:30 p.m. ET: The United States men’s national soccer team has entered its moment of truth, and there’s no room for excuses — not that the U.S. is interested in making any.

Team USA faces Cuba on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., looking to advance to the semifinals of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The U.S. is heavily favored against its Caribbean neighbor to the south, but this year’s tournament has produced unexpected results.

The United States won Group A after beating Honduras and Haiti and drawing Panama in its first three games. Only captain and midfield general Michael Bradley and goalkeeper Brad Guzan played all 270 minutes in the group stage.

232 - Michael Bradley had 232 touches in the first round of #goldcup2015, leading #USMNT and tied for 4th highest overall. General.

Only reserve goalkeepers Nick Rimando and William Yarbrough haven’t played so far. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann will be able to select 18 players for his gameday squad from his fine-tuned roster.

The biggest question for Klinsmann will be who starts at center back alongside Ventura Alvarado. John Brooks is suspended for the Cuba game, and either Omar Gonzalez or Tim Ream is expected to start in his absence. Klinsmann also must discover an attacking formula that yields a productive outing from a striker, as withdrawn forward Clint Dempsey largely has shouldered the goal-scoring burden for Team USA so far in the tournament.

Cuba unexpectedly withstood the apparent defections of four players and survived the group stage. Cuba is playing in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive Gold Cup, looking to upset the odds and reverse historical trends. Cuba’s last win over the United States came back in 1947 and it has lost all four previous Gold Cup games against the CONCACAF giant, having been outscored 19-2.

Names of five Cuban players crossed out on official team sheet. Four defections had been reported as of yesterday. http://t.co/JpVZhJrrIt

End of hearing: The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security hearing on FIFA has come to an a close.

Sens. Moran and Blumenthal led the charge against FIFA corruption, and Jennings has become somewhat of a celebrity in American soccer circles for his outspokenness in front of lawmakers.

U.S. Soccer faced some tough questions about its response to allegations of corruption at CONCACAF and FIFA through the years. The issue of pay disparity between men’s and women’s national teams also rose to the surface a few times.

Watch a replay of the hearing below.

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4:23 p.m.: Sen. Moran appears to be set to close the hearing.

He says he only wants what’s best for U.S. Soccer and FIFA and promises senate help in the federation’s efforts to move on from the “unacceptable” status quo.

4:20 p.m.: Sen. Blumenthal says this hearing is just the beginning of an effort to clean up sports organizations, which have a responsibility to fans and participants.

He adds U.S. Soccer knew or should have known about FIFA and CONCACAF corruption and leaves it “up to the fans to judge.”

4:19 p.m.: Sen. Blumenthal asks Flynn about the pay disparity between men’s and women’s international soccer.

Flynn says compensation will be reviewed in U.S. Soccer’s after-action report. He expects pay for women’s players to increase in future competitions.

4:15 p.m.: Bery says FIFA can help stop human rights abuses around the world by considering this issue during the bidding process for future tournaments.

He calls out FIFA raising human rights issues in Qatar, accepting the country’s promises to improve conditions and then do nothing after learning of inaction on those reforms.

4:10 p.m.: Hershmann says governments shouldn’t regulate sports organizations, but they should “set up a regulatory protocol” to push them to adopt best practices and standards in terms of governance.

4:08 p.m.: Flynn says U.S. Soccer would support an independent inquiry into FIFA’s scandals and vows to cooperate with any U.S. Senate action.

4:00 p.m.: Sen. Moran asks Jennings how the U.S. government can influence FIFA reform.

Jennings says U.S. Soccer shouldn’t ask permission to drive reform at FIFA, calling the need for permission from other countries “gutless.” He says U.S. Soccer should corral sponsors and media into the reform effort, and Western European counterparts and Australia would be among the countries that would follow.

Jennings stresses the need for U.S. Soccer to conduct an independent inquiry into its roles in the scandals at FIFA and CONCACAF.

Hershmann says basic good governance implementations wouldn’t have worked in cleaning up FIFA because of its leadership, but those reforms are necessary in the future.

3:54 p.m.: Sen. Blumenthal asks “is FIFA salvageable?”

Jennings says no praises the U.S. Dept. of Justice for assessing FIFA as a criminal organization and going after them.

Flynn says U.S. Soccer is encouraged by reform efforts so far (following the U.S. indictments of FIFA officials).

Blumenthal says U.S. Soccer’s silence or inaction in past, present and future wrongdoing equates to “complicity.”

Flynn says U.S. Soccer is committed to FIFA reform.

3:51 p.m.: Sen. Blumenthal wonders whether sponsors should have done and should be doing more to improve labor conditions in Qatar.

Jennings says of course they should. Bery adds they should play a “serious and constructive” role in improving the conditions many migrant workers face at construction sites.

Hershmann says sponsors are complicit in abuses when they partner with sporting organizations, which endorse such conditions.

Flynn says U.S. Soccer is happy with sponsor activism, which promotes improvement.

3:49 p.m.: Jennings says sponsors have had “attacks of blindness,” accusing them of not responding to previous allegations of corruption. Jennings said sponsors should withhold money until something “radical” happens at FIFA in terms of reform.

3:47 p.m: Sen. Moran asks Flynn about U.S. Soccer’s decision to bid for the 2022 World Cup.

Flynn says U.S. Soccer’s support for Blatter’s presidential rival Prince Ali of Jordan could affect the United States’ chances of hosting future World Cup, given Blatter’s management style.

3:45 p.m.: Jennings says there’s no future for FIFA.

He then turns his gaze toward U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF, saying their talk about reform is empty. He calls U.S. Soccer “cowardly” for not taking on Warner.

3:38 p.m.: Sen. Moran asks Hershmann what how U.S. Soccer can learn about future wrongdoing at FIFA or CONCACAF earlier.

He says FIFA essentially is a “small clique” of high-ranking individuals, who practiced “systematic corruption.” He adds Blatter controls FIFA tightly, and wonders whether he truly will resign after a new presidential election.

Moran asks if Blatter’s departure is the best thing FIFA can do to clean itself up. Hershmann says yes, and his cronies also must go. He says FIFA’s culture can’t change unless its leaders believe in ethics and values.

Hershamnn says media outlets and sponsors can exert financial pressure on FIFA in order to drive cultural change, but they haven’t done so in response to previous and current scandals. He adds federations must force change from the bottom up. He also says governments must help drive positive change by influencing sports bodies to promote transparency and accountability.

3:30 p.m.: Sen. Klobuchar said the Senate will ask U.S. Soccer to pay the men’s and women’s national team players equally.

Klobuchar presses him on the pay disparity issue, saying “Wimbledon has done it.”

Klobuchar then asks why the 2015 Women’s World Cup was played on turf.

Flynn said Canada’s Soccer Association made that decision, with which U.S. Soccer disagreed. He adds the federation supported legal action by U.S. women’s soccer players on the turf issue, but they ultimately decided to endure paying on turf in order to win the tournament.

Klobuchar weighs in on pay disparity and FIFA corruption again, saying U.S. Soccer should use its influence on sponsors to add transparency to governance and pay women equally.

Flynn calls U.S. Soccer the “strongest advocate” of women’s soccer’s in the world. He says U.S. Soccer continues to push FIFA on these issues.

Flynn says the way Warner and Blazer ran meetings. He said U.S. Soccer couldn’t make positive reforms at CONCACAF (and FIFA) by taking them on because of the voting power of the 37-country Carribean Football Union, which holds significant sway.

Flynn alludes to negative consequences of blowing the whistle, especially in terms of hosting events.

Daines now asks Flynn why U.S. Soccer’s rate of spending has grown 50 percent in from 2013 to 2014, while expenditure on women’s soccer is down 13 percent.

Flynn response by saying U.S. Soccer pays its women’s player “by far” more than any other formation. He adds U.S. Soccer is pushing FIFA in the right direction. Flynn suggests U.S. Soccer spent more on the men’s team in 2014 because of World Cup activities.

Flynn adds U.S. Soccer shows also supports women’s soccer by “running” the National Women’s Soccer League.

3:12 p.m.: Flynn says he might excuse himself from discussions that make him “uncomfortable,” but can’t pinpoint a moment when he decided not to participate in wrongdoing. He says he never had any facts about corruption.

Flynn said U.S. Soccer only gained a “seat at the table” at FIFA when Gulati was elected to FIFA’s ExCo in 2013.

Blumenthal bluntly asks why U.S. Soccer didn’t act on allegations of wrongdoing until after May’s indictments were made public.

Flynn says he had no hard evidence, and that U.S. Soccer chose to remain part of FIFA’s 209-member organization rather than opt out. He adds a better course of action would be to help reform FIFA from within.

He adds U.S. Soccer decided to send him to the Senate, instead of Gulati, because he can speak better about the federation’s day-to-day operations than the federation president can.

Blumenthal asks if U.S. Soccer should do more to promote positive changes within FIFA. Flynn responds by pointing out U.S.-led reforms at CONCACAF as examples of the federation driving meaningful reform.

3:10 p.m.: Jennings said FIFA never should have awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar and England never should have bid for the 2018 World Cup, knowing about rampant bribery on FIFA’s Executive Committee.

He says the public has known about racketeering at CONCACAF since 2002, but U.S. Soccer did nothing to investigate or stop it.

3:07 p.m.: Sen. Moran wants to know how much responsibility for human rights abuses FIFA must take after awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

Bery responds FIFA must assume responsibility when it endorses Qatar.

3:03 p.m.: Sen. Moran asks Flynn what U.S. Soccer knew about Blazer and FIFA’s corruption and when it knew it. He also wants to know how U.S. Soccer reacted.

Flynn says he knew nothing regarding corruption within FIFA and CONCACAF. He adds Blazer hasn’t been involved with U.S. Soccer since 1986.

He adds U.S. Soccer had nothing to do with the sale of marketing and sponsorship rights for CONCACAF tournaments.

2:55: Jennings delivers his opening statement.

He calls out U.S. Soccer for not taking on FIFA and asks “where’s Sunil?” in reference to federation president Sunil Gulati.

He then says “FIFA ticks all the boxes” of an organized crime syndicate that hides behind soccer, referring to top FIFA officials like Chuck Blazer.

He says U.S. Soccer had information implicating Blazer in wrongdoing but looked the other way — perhaps in order to improve its prospects of hosting the 2022 World Cup.

He calls U.S. Soccer to ally with “nice” federations create a new governing body, pulling sponsors and broadcasters away from FIFA.

He speaks about Qatar’s “kafala” system, which ties migrant laborers to their employers by law, and the workers often live and work in harsh conditions.

He says Qatar has taken “limited action” in response to allegations of abuse and de facto slavery.

He says FIFA must tell Qatar to respect human rights, and soccer authorities must monitor and report on conditions and reforms.

2:44 p.m.: Hershman delivers his opening statement next.

He says the growing commercial interests, such as gambling, turn sporting bodies like FIFA into “big business,” making it difficult for sports organizations to regulate themselves.

He also says FIFA could have acted on corruption and bribery allegations when they first arose in the late 1990s, but its standards of transparency and accountability weren’t high enough.

He proposes a comprehensive list of reforms that could help sports organizations govern themselves better.

2:38 p.m.: Flynn, U.S. Soccer’s CEO since 2000, is the first expert to speak to the panel.

Flynn says U.S. Soccer is just one of 209 votes in FIFA but says it advocates better governance at the organization. He also called that pursuit more important than any “hosting of future World Cups.”

Essentially, Flynn said U.S. Soccer is a force for good at FIFA and CONCACAF.

2:35 p.m.: In his opening statement, Sen. Richard Blumenthal calls the FIFA bribery scandal a “mafia-stlye” crime syndicate that does disservice to the name “mafia” because indicted officials were so brazen about their actions.

He also says FIFA’s corruption scandal undermines soccer and wants to know “who knew what (and), when?” He poses the question to U.S. Soccer and wants to know its ideas for reforms.

He proposes reorganizing FIFA as a public corporation and shedding its non-profit status.

He then calls on sponsors and organizers to uphold human rights “wherever our athletes compete”.

2:30 p.m.: Sen. Moran delivers his opening statement. His explanation for the reason mirrors what he said a statement before the hearing:

“Soccer is by far the most popular sport in the world, and it is attracting a wider audience by the day in the United States,” Sen. Moran said in a statement. “Children across America and the globe look up to athletes as role models, and professional sports must be held to the highest standards. The recent revelations of bribery and mismanagement at FIFA should be of concern to us all. The organization’s culture of corruption is turning a blind eye to significant human rights violations and the tragic loss of lives. This hearing on the recent FIFA scandals will begin the discussion about our country’s own participation in the organization, ways the United States and our allies can work to reform FIFA, and how we can restore integrity to the game so many Americans and citizens of the world enjoy.”

2:30 p.m. ET: United States senators will have their say on FIFA’s governance in the wake of the ongoing corruption and bribery scandal, which has shaken world soccer’s governing body to its core.

The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security conducts an inquiry on FIFA on Wednesday, “Examining the Governance and Integrity of International Soccer,” the committee says on its website.

Experts will give testimony into FIFA’s practices. They include investigative journalist and filmmaker Andrew Jennings, Dan Flynn, CEO and secretary general of the U.S. Soccer Federation, Michael Hershman, president and CEO of the Fairfax Group and Sunjeev Bery, advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International USA.

Committe chairman U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) invited Sepp Blatter to testify at the hearing, but the embattled FIFA president declined to attend, Reuters reported Monday.

The hearing will scrutinize the impending changes in FIFA’s top office and labor conditions in Qatar ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup among other topics.

We’ll watch the hearing live and recount to you what transpires at the Senate Russell Office Building when the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security. You also can watch a live stream of the hearing as it happens (via Roll Call).

July 14, 3 p.m. ET: Since mid-March, we have had a feeling this day would come, and it’s finally here.

Raheem Sterling completed his transfer from Liverpool to Manchester City on Tuesday, ending a months-long contract standoff and transfer saga, which have captivated rumor junkies and infuriated Liverpool fans for some time.

Sterling signed a five-year contract with Manchester City after the Premier League giant reportedly agreed to pay Liverpool £49 million ($76 million).

Sterling had been angling for a move away from Liverpool for much of 2015 after negotiations on a new contract broke down in March. Sterling’s departure grew increasingly acrimonious and inevitable with the passage of time, and now it has happened.

We have been following this story closely as events have unfolded and will continue to do so over the course of the next few days.

Here’s a good starting point for those who are new to Sterling’s transfer story. The first is an analysis of his explosive and unauthorized March interview with the BBC in which he explains his refusal to sign a new contract with Liverpool. The second is breaking news story, following the official comfirmation of Sterling’s completed transfer.

Team USA already had clinched first place in the group. The result means Haiti advances to the quarterfinal as second-place finishers and Panama must wait until other groups complete their programs to see if it advances as one of the best third-place finishers.

The #USMNT will await the results from Groups B and C the next two days to determine Saturday's quarterfinal opponent in Baltimore.

That’s all for now and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

Bedoya had plenty of time and space inside Panama’s penalty area to drive a cross to the far post. Bradley arrives first with a perfectly timed run, as he has done so often throughout his career, and volleys it home with a sliding shot.

Team USA started slowly and never really sped past second gear. Panama is delivering a performance worthy of team that wants to continue in this tournament and it deserves the lead it currently enjoys.

2 - #USMNT took 2 shots in that half, their lowest total in a first half yet in this tournament (inc blocks). Scarce.

Panama was more aggressive than the U.S. and appears to have had a mental edge in the first half. Perez converted one of his team’s two shots on goal. Panama might have scored earlier were it not for Guzan or the referee’s assistant.

29th minute, 0-0: The United States officially is off to another slow start, having failed to break down Panama’s defense more than once (Bedoya’s chance) in the run of play despite having a wealth of possession.

Panama forcing the issue so far, and they have to. Only a win will definitely get them through to the quarterfinals. #GoldCup2015

10th minute, 0-0: Panama thinks it has scored the opener after Luis Tejada redirects a free kick past Guzan, but the referee’s assistant rules the striker offside. It’s both a warning and a wake-up call for the slow-starting Americans.

Third minute, 0-0: The teams are trying to establish their respective games in the midfield by controlling possession and looking for gaps in the opposition’s defense. There are none, and proceedings are bogged down in the center of the field.

9 p.m. ET: Only one form of perfection matters for the United States men’s national soccer team.

Team USA faces Panama on Friday night at Sporting Park in Kansas City in its third, and last, group-stage game of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The U.S. already has clinched the top spot in Group A but wants to finish the opening phase of the regional championship tournament by taking all nine available points.

U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is benefiting from the winning culture he has developed within the re-tooled team in 2015. Team USA has won six straight games, including victories over Hondurasand Haiti to open the Gold Cup.

6 - #USMNT are on a run of six successive wins currently, scoring at least two goals in five of these matches. Rolling.

The U.S. already has clinched a spot in the quarterfinal, but Klinsmann refuses to allow his group to relent.

Panama can reach the quarterfinals with a win over the United States. Panama’s task against the CONCACAF titans is daunting enough, and the United States has inflicted misery on them in both 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying and in the final of the 2013 Gold Cup.

1-0 - This will be the repeat of the 2013 Gold Cup final, where #USMNT prevailed 1-0 against Panama. Rematch.

Final, 2-1 United States: The referee blows the final whistle, and it’s all over at Toyota Stadium. Team USA wins its Gold Cup opener and moves to the top of Group A.

Clint Dempsey was the hero of the night, scoring both goals in Team USA’s win. Honduras outplayed Team USA for large portions of the game and gave the hosts a scare from beginning to end. Honduras’ fight was impressive, as was Team USA’s ability to capitalize on its chances.

The result is more important than performance in tournament play, and Team USA began its Gold Cup defense with the necessary victory.

That’s all for now and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

82nd minute, 2-1 United States: Honduras misses another close chance, as Hernandez fails to reach a cross at the far post before it goes out for a goal kick.

77th minute, 2-1 United States: Bradley shoots a free kick on goal from a tight angle. The ball bounces just before reaching Escober, and the Honduras goalkeeper bobbles it on the goal line. The referee says no goal. There’s no technology to make a clear determination.

76th minute, 2-1 United States: Alvarado makes a desperate clearance.

75th minute, 2-1 United States: Eddie Fernandez replaces Figuero, as Honduras brings a forward on for a defender with its third and final substitution.

72nd minute, 2-1 United States: Discua’s goal represents a stunning turn of events and sets the stage for a tense finish to the game.

It’s more slack marking from Honduras on a set piece. Dempsey floated into Honduras’ goal-mouth unimpeded, rose and connected with an uncontested header. How many times has Dempsey scored a goal like this one? A lot.

62nd minute, 1-0 United States: Team USA still has its lead, but Honduras remains on the front foot — if only slightly. Klinsmann is set to make another change to reverse the tide in the final 30 minutes.

59th minute, 1-0 United States: Klinsmann is making his first substitution. Wondolowski replaces Altidore, who struggled to make an impact in the game’s first hour.

Halftime, 1-0 United States: That’s the end of the first half. Team USA leads by one.

Dempsey’s goal headlines the events of an absorbing first half. Honduras held nothing back in the opening period, surprising Team USA with its determination and ambition. But Dempsey scored — in typically scrappy fashion — to help bring Team USA to life. The teams remained on equal footing through the end of the half, and there’s no telling which side will control proceedings after the interval.

39th minute, 1-0 United States: Team USA leads, but the game remains tight as it nears halftime. Honduras is playing with energy and confidence, despite the deficit. Team USA is dangerous on the counter-attack.

31st minute, 1-0 United States: Team USA comes close on the counter-attack. Johnson cuts inside, surges through the midfield and slips a pass forward to Yedlin, whose shot fails to beat Escober.

31st minute, 1-0 United States: Team USA’s opening strike came against the run of play. Honduras had enjoyed the better start to the game, but the United States punished its inability to clear the set piece.

Also, Klinsmann challenged Dempsey to lead the tournament in goal scoring. The veteran forward is off to a good start by doing what he always does.

Clint Dempsey is the 3rd #USMNT player to score in four Gold Cups (Donovan 6, Wynalda 5).

21st minute, 0-0: Honduras appeared to have caught Team USA off guard with its aggressive approach in the early stage of the game, but the hosts now are settling into a rhythm and are gaining a measure of control of the contest.

Pregame: Alvarado starts next to Brooks at center back. There was some doubt whether Klinsmann would partner Omar Gonzalez or Alvarado with Brooks, but the coach went with the largely untested Alvarado.

Ventura Alvarado will be cap-tied to the U.S. as soon as the whistle blows tonight. #usmnt#USAvHON

9 p.m. ET: The United States men’s national soccer team’s march to Russia started in 2013 with victory in that year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, paused for 23 months, and now is set to resume.

Team USA aces Honduras on Tuesday night at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Tx. The game pits two of the region’s highly rated teams against one another in their respective CONCACAF Gold Cup openers. The winner of the contest will assume control of Group A, which also includes Haiti and Panama.

If the United States wins the 2015 Gold Cup it will qualify for the 2017 FIFA Confederations’ Cup. If Team USA fails to triumph this month, it will face the tournament winner in a playoff to determine CONCACAF’s representative in the Confederations Cup — an important tournament for FIFA World Cup hopefuls.

Team USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann selected a veteran-laden roster for the tournament and chose Michael Bradley to lead the squad as its newly minted captain. Clint Dempsey remains a key figure in the dressing room and on the field despite losing the arm-band.

USA-Honduras kicks off at 9:30 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from Toyota Stadium.

The United States partied early and often against Japan, as Lloyd led the way with a hat trick inside of the first 16 minutes. Holiday and Heath added goals in each half, as did Japan. But this was Lloyd and Team USA’s day, as they overran Japan from start to finish en route to the United States’ first world championship in 16 years.

Team USA players had revenge on their minds coming into the game, but this win was more about redemption. Team USA’s squad includes three generations of players, who have successfully born the burden of history and etched their names into sports lore both in the United States and around the world.

That’s all for now and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

50th minute, 4-1 United States: Brian unleashes a shot on goal from 25 yards out, but Kaihori tips it over the crossbar.

48th minute, 4-1 United States: Team USA is hunting goals again, as Rapinoe floats a cross into Japan’s penalty area. Morgan tries to head it but misses. The rebound falls to Krieger, whose shot is blocked.

46th minute, 4-1 United States: Lloyd’s floated cross lands on top of Japan’s goal. There’s no telling whether she was passing or shooting, given her current appetite for risk-taking.

46th minute, 4-1 United States: The second half is underway.

Halftime, 4-1 United States: That’s the end of the first half. Team USA leads by three and is 45 minutes away from glory.

Carli Lloyd’s career-defining half has given Team USA a commanding lead in Vancouver. Her three goals broke records and left Japan reeling after a quarter-hour of play. Ogimi’s goal looks like a mere consolation at this point. It was the only blemish of the half for Team USA, which is cruising toward its first world championship in 16 years.

38th minute, 4-1 United States: Japan remains in passing rhythm despite the deficit and formation change, as Team USA drops off defensively and allows its opponent to circulate the ball in the midfield.

Eighth minute, 2-0 United States: Japan finally sustains some possession but it already finds itself in the deepest of holes.

Fifth minute, 2-0 United States: Lloyd doubles Team USA’s fun with her second goal in the opening minutes. It’s a similar strike to her first one. The only difference is it comes after a free kick Heath won.

4 p.m. ET: One is the only number of teams that can stand tallest after all of these games.

The women’s national soccer teams of Japan and the United States meet Sunday at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver in the final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Team USA and Japan have navigated their way back to the summit of the women’s global game, and the winner of this contest will reign as the undisputed queen of the mountain.

The teams have met twice before in finals of major tournaments. Japan won the 2011 World Cup by beating Team USA on penalty kicks. The United States triumphed 2-1 in normal time of the gold medal game at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, exacting a measure of payback for the previous year’s loss. Team USA looks to complete its revenge mission against the “Nadeshiko” on Sunday, but Japan has its sights set on its second straight world championship.

Team USA, and old power women’s soccer, is within touching distance of claiming its third World Cup title — adding a trophy to those it won in 1991 and 1999 — and ending a 16-year wait for global glory. Standing in Team USA’s way is a new force from the land of the rising sun. Team USA sits second in FIFA’s latest poll, giving it the edge on paper over fourth-place Japan.

USA-Japan will present a clash of styles. Defense and rugged grit have carried Team USA to this point, having blanked opponents for all but one half of the first of its six games so far. Japan’s methodical, technical passing game, along with its finely tuned winning mentality has taken it to Vancouver. Japan has won all six games of its World Cup campaign by one goal. The soccer world will be watching to see what transpires.

USA-Japan kicks off at 7 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from BC Place Stadium.

Final, 2-0 United States: It’s all over in Montreal. Team USA defeats Germany and now is on its way to the 2015 Women’s World Cup final.

The World Cup began in earnest Tuesday for Team USA, and the Americans stepped up in a big way. Team USA delivered a stirring performance to beat favored Germany in the highest-stakes meeting between these rivals in over a decade. The second half contained the most dramatic of plot twists, as the referee awarded two penalty kicks. Sasic missed Germany’s spot-kick. Lloyd converted Team USA’s. The most important of the referee’s decisions fell Team USA’s way and factored into the outcome of the game. That sometimes happens in sports and life.

Team USA will play either Japan or England on Sunday in Vancouver. Team USA is one game away from its first world championship since 1999.

Final: #USA 2-0 #GER
The U.S. is the first country to reach four Women's World Cup finals.

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Halftime, 0-0: That’s the end of the first half. It’s goal-less in Montreal.

Team USA played its best soccer of the tournament in the first half but couldn’t find the breakthrough. The U.S. controlled possession and territory and created a number of promising scoring chances, but Morgan and Co. failed to convert them. Angerer deserves praise for her role in making that happen.

This is familiar territory for Team USA.

This is 3rd straight 0-0 first half and the 4th in this WWC for the #USWNT.

31st minute, 0-0: The game remains paused, as Brian and Popp are cared for. The break in play probably benefits Germany. Team USA played with real verve and intensity in the first half hour. The pause gives Germany a chance to regroup and work out some things tactically to stop Team USA.

29th minute, 0-0: Brian and Popp both are down on the field after a clash of heads inside Team USA’s penalty area.

21st minute, 0-0: Heath’s pass from inside the area hits Leupolz’s arm. The referee declines to award the Americans the penalty kick they wanted.

20th minute, 0-0: Team USA has started the game well and really should have the lead based on the quality of chances it has created. The pace of the game will slow over time, but skill and organization will determine what happens until the players’ energy begins to wane.

Team USA also is enjoying a defensive streak for the ages.

#USWNT's shutout streak is at 443 minutes and counting, now the 2nd-longest streak in WWC history. #USA

Third minute, 0-0: Leupolz heads a corner kick over Solo’s goal. She was unmarked, which should concern Team USA.

Second minute, 0-0: The game starts at a fast and fierce tempo. Germany is applying intense defensive pressure on Team USA. The Germans’ tactic will test the Americans’ ability to control the ball in tight spaces — something Team USA hasn’t excelled at in this World Cup.

Kickoff: USA-Germany is underway at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

Pregame: Team USA head coach Jill Ellis has sprung another surprise in her starting lineup.

Morgan starts as a lone striker, as Ellis abandons the two-forward formation. Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath will operate as wide forwards.

Carli Lloyd has scored in two consecutive games. She’ll play behind the front three as an attacking midfielder. Lauren Holiday and Morgan Brian will line up as holding midfielders.

4:30 p.m. ET: Aside from the final, the most anticipated game of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup is upon us.

The United States women’s national soccer team faces Germany on Tuesday at Olympic Stadium in Montreal for the right to advance to the title game of women’s soccer’s premier global competition. Team USA sits second behind only Germany in the latest FIFA rankings. Team USA and Germany have been the standout teams in this summer’s World Cup, living up to their pre-tournament billing as favorites.

Germany largely has relied on its powerful attack to advance to this point. Germany is the top-scoring team in the tournament with 20 goals in its first five games. Germany’s high-octane attack confronts Team USA’s robust defense, which has conceded just one goal in five games and stands as the best record in the competition.

This won’t be the first high-stakes meeting between the United States and Germany. The teams have played three times in World Cup history. Each time, the winner went on to win the tournament (USA in 1991 and 1999, Germany in 2003).

The teams’ shared histories are important, but what matters most is where the 22-plus women on the field stand in relation to their competitors. The players know each other well from club and international play, as Alex Morgan described Monday in the pregame press conference, and the team that prevails likely will do so because individuals impose their personalities on the contest. The names on the back of the jerseys will enter sports lore based on how they perform for the crest on the front of their jerseys in this semifinal.

The winner of USA-Germany will face the winner of England-Japan on Sunday in the final. The losers will meet Saturday in the third-place game.

USA-Germany kicks off at 7 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from Olympic Stadium.

Final, 1-0 United States: It’s all over in Ottawa. Team USA moves on to the semifinals.

The Americans are celebrating after delivering a complete performance to down China. The 1-0 scoreline that Lloyd’s goal provided doesn’t reflect the balance of play, as Team USA controlled the game from start to finish and barely gave China a sniff of the ball.

Team USA was confident and capable with the ball, and hungry without it. China had no answers for the United States’ lively attack and suffocating defense.

Team USA will play Germany on Tuesday in Montreal in the semifinals. No. 1 meets No. 2.

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77th minute, 1-0 United States: Team USA still is in firm control of the game, but its advantage remains at one. The United States has expended a lot of energy up to this point. China needs a late burst in order to have a chance of coming back into the game here in the latter stages.

74th minute, 1-0 United States: Han exits and Tang enters, as China makes its final substitution.

47th minute, 0-0: Rodriguez cuts inside and shoots with her left foot from 25 yards out, but her effort misses the target.

46th minute, 0-0: The second half is underway.

Halftime, 0-0: That’s the end of the first half. It’s goal-less.

That’s more like it, from Team USA’s perspective. The United States was confident and relentless in the first half, pinning China deep inside its own half and creating a host of scoring chances. Rodriguez should have put Team USA in front after two minutes. She didn’t.

U.S. really could have used Rodriguez shot to have been aimed anywhere but the Arctic Circle. Might have finished the game before it started

Nevertheless, Team USA played its most impressive half of the tournament so far. Its attacking dynamism unsettled China from the start, and its intense pressing negated the Steel Roses’ vaunted passing game. Rodriguez was central in both aspects, despite the early miss.

#USWNT had 136 touches in the attacking third in the 1st half.
Their previous high in a 1st half at this WWC was 79 vs Australia.

Solo and the back four remain the same as always, but the midfield now includes Morgan Brian and Kelly O’Hara, who haven’t played much in this year’s tournament. Watch to see whether Brian’s presence liberates Lloyd, whose attacking instincts rarely have been on display in Canada. It’s a big game for the U.S. No. 10.

We also don’t know whether Heath and O’Hara can provide the creative outlet from the wings that Rapinoe has done so capably.

Abby Wambach drops to the bench in a change up front. Amy Rodriguez starts for the first time, partnering with Alex Morgan. Their speed could unsettle China’s defense if it plays with a high line. If China drops deep, Morgan and Rodriguez might be less effective.

5 p.m. ET: The United States women’s national soccer team looks east for its next step toward a potential title in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Team USA faces China on Friday at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals. The teams’ rivalry dates to the 1990s — the earliest days of women’s soccer’s premier global competition — but history means little on the field in Canada.

Second-ranked Team USA has yet to hit its attacking stride in the tournament, but its tough defense and strong mentality have carried it to this point. Head coach Jill Ellis is hoping forwards Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan and other attacking players find their form in Eastern Canada after struggling through their first four games, which took place in the western part of the country.

China has surprised and impressed many with its quick passing game at Canada 2015 and surprisingly sturdy defense. Its march to the quarterfinals suggests China is returning to the heights it enjoyed at the end of the last century when it played Team USA to a goal-less deadlock for 120 minutes before succumbing on penalty kicks in the final. Star players such as midfielder Wang Lisi weren’t involved back then, but they’re looking to write new history.

Team USA has to face China without two of its top midfielder. Lauren Holiday and Megan Rapinoe are suspended for USA-China because of yellow-card accumulation.

USA-China kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from Lansdowne Stadium.

Final, 2-0 United States: It’s over at Commonwealth Stadium. Team USA is through to the quarterfinals.

It wasn’t easy, nor was it pretty, but Team USA will compete in the next round courtesy of its hard-fought win over Las Cafeteras of Colombia. Morgan and Lloyd scored the decisive goals in the second half, which featured a sending-off, two penalty kicks and host of talking points.

Colombia exits in the Round of 16 as the last South American team remaining in the competition. Team USA will play China on Friday night.

That’s all for now, and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

The referee points to the penalty spot and awards a penalty kick to Team USA.

46th minute, 0-0: The second half is underway.

Halftime, 0-0: That’s the end of the first half. It’s goal-less in Edmonton.

Team USA has a game on its hands, as Colombia has played the Americans evenly in the first half. Team USA started the game better than Colombia, but the tide gradually reversed as the half progressed. Wambach and Morgan had the game’s best scoring chances, but Perez thwarted each effort. Colombia had a few dangerous moments but lacked the shooting accuracy to seriously trouble solo.

As uninspiring as the #USWNT was in the first half, only one of Colombia's six shots was in the box, and none were on goal. #USA#COL

The yellow cards Holiday and Rapinoe received loom large both in this game and beyond. The United States midfielders can’t let the disappointment of their imminent suspensions drain their performance level against Colombia. Team USA needs to possess the ball better in the midfield and create more in Colombia’s final third. Holiday and Rapinoe are central to those efforts and will remain so.

Team USA’s defensive unit has been a shining beacon in Canada, as the back four (plus goalkeeper Hope Solo) have helped blank opponents for the last 243 minutes in Canada, spanning over two-and-a-half games.

10 - #USA have conceded just two goals in their last ten games across all competitions. Stingy.

3 p.m.: The United States women’s national soccer team has entered the must-win phase of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Team USA faces Colombia on Monday night in the Round of 16 of women’s soccer’s premier global competition. The United States and Colombia will rekindle their rivalry at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, knowing the stakes have soared since both their last meeting and their most recent group-stage games.

Colombia reached the Round of 16 by finishing third in Group F. Las Cafeteras’ victory over heavily favored France — their first-ever World Cup win — and draw against Mexico allowed them to progress to the knockout phase of the tournament. Colombia has embraced the dark-horse tag and used some choice words in the build-up to their game against the United States.

Team USA navigated its way to the top of Group D — the so-called “Group of Death” — in its first three games, earning what appears to be a favorable matchup against Colombia. But Team USA isn’t taking anything for granted and recognizes the field is more competitive than ever in the biggest World Cup in history.

Sandra Sepulveda, Colombia’s goalkeeper, is suspended, and Stefany Castano is expected to start against the United States. Team USA has no significant injury or suspension news.

Team USA beat Colombia 3-0 in 2011 in what is their only World Cup meeting to date. Team USA repeated the result in a group-stage game at the 2012 Olympics — a game during which Colombia forward Lady Andrade punched Abby Wambach.

USA-Colombia kicks off at 8 p.m. ET. Join us right here for all the action from Commonwealth Stadium.

Final, 1-0 United States: It’s all over at BC Place. Team USA wins the game and the “Group of Death.”

Team USA is through to the Round of 16 as Group D winner after beating Nigeria in Vancouver. Wambach scored the game’s only goal, volleying home a corner kick just before halftime. Team USA controlled possession and territory throughout and handled 10-woman Nigeria’s dangerous attack with composed, and sometimes desperate, defending.

Team USA will play its Round of 16 game Monday.

#USWNT are top of Group D after a 1-0 win against #NGA! The #USA advances to the Rd of 16 in Edmonton on 6/22 - 8 pm ET on @FoxSports1!

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90th minute, 1-0 United States: There will be three minutes of added time in the second half.

88th minute, 1-0 United States: The teams are sharing possession in the final minutes. It looks like 10-woman Nigeria has run out of steam, and Team USA is defending comfortably, as the clock ticks toward the 90-minute mark.

83rd minute, 1-0 United States: Boxx shoots wide from 25 yards out.

79th minute, 1-0 United States: Team USA makes its final substitution. Rampone comes on for Heath. Johnston could push into the midfield or the United States could see out the game with five defenders.

At 39 years and 357 days, Christie Rampone is the oldest player in Women's World Cup history. #USA

Halftime, 1-0 United States: That’s the end of the first half. Team USA leads by one.

Team USA outplayed Nigeria for the entire first half but had to wait 44 minutes for its breakthrough. Wambach volleyed the Americans ahead, giving them their reward for their first-half dominance. Team USA might have scored earlier but missed calls denied both goals and penalty-kick appeals. Wambach’s goal added gloss to a fine half for Team USA.

Nigeria is ceding possession and territory to Team USA but the Super Falcons quick counter-attacks have been dangerous.

21st minute, 0-0: Team USA has dominated possession and territory so far. It also has created a number of early scoring chances, which it didn’t do in the two previous games. Team USA hasn’t scored yet, but its attack looks like it’s finally starting to click.

18th minute, 0-0: Wambach has a great chance, but her header from Rapinoe’s corner kick is off target.

17th minute, 0-0: Rapinoe fires a shot on goal, but Dede palms it out for a corner kick.

Third minute, 0-0: Team USA is on the front foot early on, lofting passes into Nigeria’s penalty area at will. Only offside calls have prevented the Americans from turning their possession into scoring chances.

Pregame: Team USA head coach Jill Ellis has tweaked the starting lineup again, opting for Morgan and Wambach as starting strikers. Sydney Leroux and Christen Press drop to the bench.

Morgan starts a World Cup game for the first time in her career. She was a substitute in 2011 and played the same role in the United States’ first two World Cup games in 2015, as she works her way back to full fitness after suffering from a bone bruise in her knee in the lead-up to the tournament.

Still a big line outside but huge cheers for Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Abby Wambach during lineup announcement. http://t.co/Hi68ppbWMT

Wambach started and went 90 minutes in Team USA’s World Cup opener, but Ellis benched her against Sweden. Wambach said Saturday the artificial surfaces are responsible for her goal-scoring woes. Wambach’s finishing will be under scrutiny against Nigeria.

Ellis makes another change at right midfield, as Heath appears in the starting 11 for the first time this tournament. She came on as a substitute in the United States’ win over Australia and helped turn the game in her team’s favor.

5:30 p.m. ET: The United States women’s national soccer team has one last chance to work out the kinks in its game before the stakes at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup escalate.

Team USA faces Nigeria on Monday at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver in its final game in Group D play. Team USA can clinch both the top spot in the group and a favorable opponent in the Round of 16 with a win over the Super Falcons.

Nigeria has surprised many with its performances against Sweden and Australia. Nigeria’s forward progress mirrors that of many teams in the women’s game, as the gap between the best and the rest narrows with each passing year. Head coach Edwin Okon and forward Asisat Oshoala said Monday at their pregame press conference Nigeria would continue to ignore the political situation in the country and focus on playing its game and demonstrating the players’ abilities.

Team USA is satisfied with how it has opened the tournament, according to midfielder Megan Rapinoe. But Team USA also knows it must overcome potential distractions and focus on reaching a higher level if it is to win its first World Cup since 1999. Nigeria is the next sign-post on Team USA’s road to its World Cup destiny.

Filed under: Live Blog, Marcus Kwesi O'Mard, Opinion, Premier League, Soccer, Top Stories, US Soccer, Women's World Cup]]>http://nesn.com/2015/06/usa-nigeria-live-team-usa-faces-super-falcons-eyes-spot-in-round-of-16/feed/00Megan Rapinoe, Ali Krieger and Esther SundaynesnmomardUSA-Sweden Live: Team USA Held To Goal-Less Draw In Women’s World Cuphttp://nesn.com/2015/06/usa-sweden-live-team-usa-reunites-with-former-coach-pia-sundhage-in-world-cup/
http://nesn.com/2015/06/usa-sweden-live-team-usa-reunites-with-former-coach-pia-sundhage-in-world-cup/#commentsSat, 13 Jun 2015 02:00:54 +0000http://nesn.com/?p=485238Read More »]]>Final, 0-0: It’s over at Winnipeg Stadium. The United States and Sweden play to a goal-less draw.

Team USA remains on top of Group D after a spirited, but slightly disappointing 90 minutes. Sweden outplayed the United States for the first hour, but Team USA came to life after Wambach’s introduction in the 60th minute. Team USA increased its share of possession and scoring chances in the final 30 mintues, but Sweden had the best opportunity. Klingenberg’s goal-line save ultimately prevented defeat.

That’s all for now and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

90th minute, 0-0: There will be a minimum of three minutes of added time in the second half.

89th minute, 0-0: The teams still are searching for a breakthrough as the game nears its conclusion. We’re seeing a lot of service into the penalty areas, but forwards haven’t been able to meet the ball.

Nice overlap from @meghankling and she hits a 40 yard cross toward Wambach. Past her and JUST out of reach of Morgan. #USA corner...

60th minute, 0-0: U.S. fans want a penalty kick after Fischer apparently handles Leroux’s header with her arm, but replays show the ball hit the Sweden center back’s chest. Good no-call by the referee.

59th minute, 0-0: Team USA makes its first substitution, bringing on Rodriguez to replace Brian.

55th minute, 0-0: The second half has opened in a similar vein to how the first half proceeded. Sweden is using the ball better than Team USA but not testing Solo due to the Americans’ stout defense. Johnston has been impressive in her second-ever World Cup outing.

Team USA reverted to the form it showed early on against Australia, and that’s not a good thing for those hoping to see the Americans thrive in Canada. Sweden was better in possession and played with more attacking purpose, as the United States failed to find its rhythm in the first 45 minutes.

The teams’ well-drilled defenses prevented the other from crafting clear-cut scoring chances.

The referee should have awarded Sweden a penalty kick but failed to spot Leroux’s hand-ball.

Ellis must consider changing personnel or tactics in the second half. She also can rely on Team USA’s fitness, which helped it take the initiative from Sweden toward the end of the first half.

Team USA enjoys a decent spell of possession in Sweden’s third and finally registers a shot on goal.

31st minute, 0-0: Team USA has endured its second slow start in as many World Cup games in Canada. The American forwards are struggling to involve themselves in the flow of the game, having received little service from the midfield or fullbacks.

27th minute, 0-0: Team USA clears Sweden’s initial corner kick, but it falls to Dahlkvist, who skies her shot over the crossbar.

25th minute, 0-0: Brian floats a cross into Sweden’s penalty area, but no U.S. player can arrive before the Swedes clear it from danger.

21st minute, 0-0: More controversy — this time in the United States’ penalty area:

Corner from Sweden, volleyed by Seger. Blocked down by the #USWNT with shouts for a handball from #SWE? No! Referee waves them away.

We don’t know why Ellis dropped Wambach at this point, but her age likely is a consideration. Team USA will play up to seven World Cup games, and it’s unlikely Wambach, 35, could play 90 minutes in each contest without suffering a significant drop in her performance level.

Ellis will have to rest and rotate her players throughout the World Cup, and winning teams depend on their entire squads to prevail in tournament play. Team USA is loaded with depth and versatility.

5 p.m. ET: Sweden head coach Pia Sundhage will discover the value of her intimate knowledge of the United States women’s national soccer team when they face off at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Friday in Winnipeg.

Team USA can assert its dominance over Group D and seal a spot in the Round of 16 with a victory. Sweden hopes to pull itself back into the reckoning for the top spot in the group with an upset result over the favored Americans.

Sundhage is the center of attention given her connection to Team USA. Sundhage led Team USA to two Olympic gold medals and a second-place finish at the 2011 Women’s World Cup during her five-year tenure (2008 to 2012) as head coach. Sundhage now is on the opponents’ side, and her high-profile critique of Team USA stars Hope Solo, Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd added spice to a game that already was the marquee matchup in Group D.

Jill Ellis, Sundhage’s former assistant and now head coach of Team USA, is tasked with ending Team USA’s 16-year wait for a world championship. Ellis said Thursday at her pregame press conference that Team USA had a few good days of practice following the 3-1 win over Australia in its World Cup opener, and that her players are feeling great ahead of the Sweden test.

USA-Sweden kicks off at 8 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from Winnipeg Stadium.

Final, 2-1 United States: The game is over. Team USA has beaten Germany in Cologne.

Team USA is celebrating another win in a great European party town. Wood struck late in the second period to give the Americans the reward they deserved for their vast improvement in the second half. Top-ranked Germany dominated early, but Team USA seized control in the second half and held it through the end.

That’s all for now, and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

Team USA made three substitutions during the break. Evans replaces Johnson on the back line. Beckerman comes on for Williams at the base of the midfield. Yedlin replaces Agudelo in a change that will alter Team USA’s tactical set-up.

Off comes Juan Agudelo after a 45-minute stint. Scheduled to fly back tomorrow, train Friday and be available Saturday vs. Fire. #NERevs

Germany made two substitions. Podolski replaces Schurrle. Khedira enters in place of Schweinsteiger.

Halftime, 1-1: That’s the end of the first half. It’s tied in Cologne.

Germany firmly controlled the first-half proceedings, but Team USA punished the host for its let-up just before halftime. Gotze rewarded Germany’s dominance early on, scoring just 12 minutes into the game. Germany had the better chances to score throughout the half, but Team USA denied them at each turn while its own threat level crept up. Then Bradley found Diskerud, who finished the Americans’ most promising attack with aplomb.

1 - Diskerud has scored with USA's only attempt on target in first half. Efficient.

26th minute, 1-0 Germany: The United States has been decidedly second best in terms of possession, territory and scoreline so far. It’s no surprise, but the game still can turn on one moment of fortune.

10th minute, 0-0: Team USA has its first action in Germany’s half. Johansson passes into the penalty area to Bradley, whose deflected shot falls to Diskerud. The Team USA midfield spins and shoots slightly over the Germany goal.

Sixth minute, 0-0: Germany launches a fierce counter-attack and creates the first real chance. Gotze lays a pass to Ozil, who shoots on goal, but the well-positioned Guzan saves it.

Fifth minute, 0-0: Team USA fails to clear a routine ball inside the penalty area. It bounces to Schurrle, but his meek effort rolls straight to Guzan.

Fourth minute, 0-0: Germany is dominating possession and territory early on, but Team USA has absorbed the early pressure well.

First minute, 0-0: USA-Germany is underway at the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne.

Klinsmann singing both national anthems, as he has in previous meetings between the U.S. and Germany. #USAvGER#usmnt

Noon ET: The United States men’s national soccer team is set to face both an old friend and foe wrapped into one opponent.

Team USA takes on Germany on Wednesday at the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne in the latest test of its mettle. The high-profile exhibition game pits the reigning world champion against a team that is trying to raise its level while it battles for respect at home and abroad.

Standing in the middle of it all is Team USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who helped fuel Germany’s soccer revolution, which culminated in last summer’s triumph under his opposite number, Joachim Low.

Klinsmann likely will field a number of players, who, like him, are dual-citizens of Germany and the United States. Danny Williams, John Brooks, Fabian Johnson and Timmy Chandler are among the players for whom this will be no ordinary game. Alfredo Morales and Bobby Wood don’t have German roots but play for German clubs.

Klinsmann’s group is building toward the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off next month. USA-Germany offers players their last chance to impress Klinsmann before he names his roster for the tournament.

Team USA is buzzing following its comeback win over the Netherlands on Friday in Amsterdam. The Americans will test themselves against another top team, albeit a weakened one.

Germany prevailed in the teams’ last meeting — a group-stage game at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The stakes are lower this time, but the players still have something to prove.

USA-Germany kicks off at 2:45 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from the RheinEnergieSTADION.

Team USA moves to the top of Group D courtesy of a hard-fought win over Australia. Double goal-scorer Rapinoe was the star of the show, and Solo’s saves bailed out Team USA when it needed her most. Press scored the game-winning goal during a shaky outing in the midfield. Australia emerges with loads of credit after surprising the favored Americans with a spirited performance, but Team USA prevailed due its superior individual quality and depth.

That’s all for now and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

It’s clear from the first half nothing will come easy for Team USA. Australia outplayed the highly-rated Americans for most of the opening period, using the ball better and creating more scoring chances than Team USA. Rapinoe scored off a fortunate deflection, and Solo’s saves temporarily kept Australia at bay. But De Vanna’s goal gave Australia the reward its play merited.

History suggests Team USA can recover and prevail but it must improve in every aspect of the game. Midfield play has been a problem so far, as Press and Holiday struggle to break up Australia’s fast-moving attacks and fail to show enough composure with the ball to allow Team USA to dictate the game’s tempo.

1-1 - #USA have gone to the break 1-1 twice in #FIFAWWC tournaments, and have won both games in regulation. Hope.

Rapinoe floated a free kick into Australia’s penalty area. Wambach arrived first at the back post but headed wide of the goal. Team USA expects better from international women’s soccer’s all-time leading goal scorer.

33rd minute, 1-1: The game remains fast and fiercely competitive after a half hour. Australia continues to cause problems for the Americans, both offensively and defensively, and have the goal their efforts deserve.

27th minute, 1-1: Australia punishes Team USA’s failure to clear a free kick, and the game is tied. De Vanna does the honors with a well-struck finish past Solo. Heyman assists the goal.

USA-Australia takes on added significant following Nigeria’s surprise 3-3 draw with Sweden earlier Monday. The USA-Australia winner will have the inside track on the top spot in the so-called “Group of Death.”

Wambach and Leroux are expected to shoulder Team USA’s goal-scoring burden against Australia. Morgan starts on the bench, as she works her way back to full fitness after suffering from a knee injury during the lead-up to the tournament.

Johnston, 23, starts in central defense, proving Ellis is willing to trust her in a pressure-packed situation, despite her youth.

6 p.m. ET: The road to glory for the United States women’s national soccer team begins Monday in Winnipeg when it faces Australia in its opening game of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

As one of the favorites to win the tournament, Team USA hopes to overpower Australia and take three points from its Group D opener.

Much of the talk around Team USA centers around new allegations about a 2014 domestic violence incident involving goalkeeper Hope Solo. The news created a fresh storm of controversy Sunday, but Team USA head coach Jill Ellis and her team are blocking out the potential distraction in order to focus on the immediate task at hand.

Australia is quietly confident heading into its World Cup opener, following an encouraging run of form in early 2015. But the “Matildas” must take on the Americans without their captain and star center back Clare Polkinghorne, who has battled injury during the lead-up to the tournament. However, co-captain and forward Lisa De Vanna will pose an attacking threat to Team USA’s back line.

The training, hype and other build-up is firmly in the past. What happens on the field matters most now.

USA-Australia kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from Winnipeg Stadium.

Barcelona has re-taken European soccer’s throne from eternal rival Real Madrid with a thoroughly deserved win over Juventus. Barcelona scored early, weathered Juventus’ courageous comeback before out-lasting its opponent and scoring a third goal on the final whistle.

Barcelona has completed a historic treble — the second in its history — and wins the European Cup for the first time since 2011. Juventus came close to accomplishing the feat but couldn’t withstand Barcelona’s quality.

That’s all for now and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

51st minute, 1-0 Barcelon: Messi has some good interplay with his teammates at the top of Juventus’ penalty area, but the move finishes with the Argentinian superstar shooting inches over Buffon’s goal.

48th minute, 1-0 Barcelona: Barcelona surges forward on the counter-attack through Rakitic, who passes left to Suarez. The Uruguayan tries to poke it past Buffon inside the near post, but the Juventus goalkeeper denies him with another fine save.

Halftime, 1-0 Barcelona: That’s the end of the first half. Barcelona leads by one.

Barcelona controlled the first half and scored the goal its play merited early on. Buffon’s tremendous save prevented Barcelona from doubling its lead before Juventus came to life and asserted itself toward the middle of the period.

Barcelona had better possession and scoring chances than Juventus. Barcelona also enjoyed a territorial advantage. Yet, the game can pivot in one moment — especially if Juventus capitalizes on a mistake at the back or if fortune smiles on the “Old Lady” of Italian soccer.

38th minute, 1-0 Barcelona: The game is speeding toward the end of the first half with Barcelona ahead on the scoreboard and outperforming Juventus on balance of play. Barcelona keeps the ball better than any team in the world but is equally adept at winning it back when Juventus is in possession — often in dangerous areas of the field.

34th minute, 1-0 Barcelona: Juventus players are surrounding the referee after Alba appeared to trip Pogba on the edge of the penalty area.

20th minute, 1-0 Barcelona: Juventus creates danger in Barcelona’s third of the field, as Pogba surges forward and crosses for Tevez. Only Mascherano’s intervention prevented Tevez from reaching the ball.

16th minute, 1-0 Barcelona: Alba fires a shot over Buffon’s goal, as Barcelona continues to probe for a second goal.

Allegri has opted for Barzagli in central defense. The veteran replaces the injured Chiellini. Barzagli’s communication with Bonucci, Evra and Lichsteiner will be critical, as Messi and Neymar cut inside at any given moment to support Suarez.

Barcelona’s lineup is settled and potent. The Messi-Neymar-Suarez trident garners the headlines, but Alves and Alba also will be key for Barcelona. If they can create danger from the wide areas, Juventus will have to spread itself and leave pockets of space open in the center.

12:45 p.m. ET: Barcelona and Juventus are within arms’ length of club soccer’s biggest prize, but their toughest test stands in the way of glory.

Barcelona and Juventus meet Saturday in the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The teams navigated their way past European soccer’s strongest teams and conquered some of its biggest cathedrals en route to Germany’s capital city. A chance at making history now awaits these powers of the Spanish, Italian, European and global game.

7 - Tonight's game will be the seventh European Cup final between a team from Italy and one from Spain; the most of any combination. Power.

Barcelona and Juventus both can win a historic treble of domestic league, domestic cup and Champions League titles, but only one can complete the feat. Barcelona already has locked this season’s La Liga (Spanish first division) and Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) trophies in its cabinet. Juventus clinched titles in both Serie A (Italian first division) and Coppa Italia (Italian Cup) last month.

Barcelona is the favorite coming into the game, as its attacking “trident” of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi is one of the most fearsome front threes the soccer world has ever seen. They’re supported by a team of talented and experienced champions — most of whom are hungry for their first European title since 2011. Head coach Luis Enrique has fit the pieces together masterfully.

Juventus isn’t content merely to accept its underdog status. The “Old Lady” of Italian soccer reinforced its dominance of the local scene this season by winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Serie A title. Legendary pass-master Andrea Pirlo, legend-in-waiting Paul Pogba and Chilean workhorse Arturo Vidal must assert control of the midfield if Juventus is to prevail. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri must find a way to contain Barcelona while showcasing his own team’s attacking strength.

The Champions League final kicks off at 2:45 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from the Olympiastadion.

Final, 1-1: It’s all over in Zurich. The exhibition game ends in a draw.

Klinsmann and Co. will be much happier with the result and performance against Switzerland than they were after the loss to Denmark. Team USA was better organized and played with greater purpose. It was managing the game until the second-half meltdown that started with Altidore’s dismissal. Switzerland then increased the tempo and pressure, causing the United States to wilt and make a series of mistakes. Stocker’s game-tying goal earned the draw for the hosts.

That’s all for now, and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

Halftime, 1-0 United States: That’s the end of the first half. The United States leads at the break.

Team USA delivered a reassuring performance in the first half and have the lead to show for its efforts. Shea’s goal capped a first period during which Switzerland controlled possession, but the United States repelled the hosts rather comfortably.

Bedoya was particularly impressive, with his work rate and decision-making causing a few problems for Switzerland.

39th minute, 0-0: Shaqiri dribbles deep down the left and hits a low cross into the United States’ goal mouth, but Mehmedi arrives too late and fails to make contact. It’s Switzerland’s best chance of the game so far.

38th minute, 0-0: Switzerland takes the direct route and creates another chance. Drmic runs onto Inler’s pass, cuts inside and tries to shoot, but the United States has men behind the ball to block it away before it reaches Rimando.

32nd minute, 0-0: Shea crosses into Switzerland’s penalty area. The ball bounces, allowing Bedoya to dart in and head a shot on goal from 12 yards out, but the well-positioned Burki saves his effort.

30th minute, 0-0: Switzerland has had more possession and has the territorial advantage, but the United States has had the two best chances of the game.

27th minute, 0-0: More good work from Bedoya creates another chance for the United States. He dribbled to the by-line and cut a pass back into Switzerland’s goal mouth. Bradley arrives but somehow shoots over the crossbar from close range.

24th minute, 0-0: The game remains bogged down in the midfield, as neither team has settled into a rhythm. The United States is playing with far greater organization and purpose than it showed last week against Denmark. Its shape is better and it presses much better as a unit, disrupting Switzerland’s approach play.

17th minute, 0-0: Shaqiri shanks a shot high and wide of Rimando’s goal.

15th minute, 0-0: After a lull in the action, Team USA has its first chance of the game. Bedoya breaks forward and floats a cross from the right into Switzerland’s penalty area. Zardes arrives first but slices his volley over the goal. He should have done better with his finish.

Eighth minute, 0-0: Moubandje creates the first real danger of the game with a surging run down the left. He tries to shoot from deep inside the United States’ penalty area, but Orozco blocks it.

Fourth minute, 0-0: The game has started at a high tempo, as both teams look to pressure the ball when they don’t have it and move it forward quickly when they do. The frantic pace will slow down soon, as the teams look to establish a rhythm to their play and take control of the game.

Kickoff: USA-Switzerland is underway at the Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich.

Pregame: Klinsmann springs a few surprises in his starting lineup, which poses a few immediate questions for Team USA and its players.

1) Zardes struggled as a wide midfielder against Denmark. Can he partner effectively with Altidore and even score when playing in his natural position.

2) How will Bradley fare in the advanced midfield position Klinsmann wants him to play?

3) Can Williams shield the defense in his first start for the national team in over a year?

4) Can Brooks and Orozco eradicate the mistakes that led to Team USA’s downfall against Denmark?

Keep an eye on Shea as a left fullback. He replaces Fabian Johnson in the starting 11.

11:30 a.m. ET: The United States men’s national soccer team’s March 2015 European tour concludes Tuesday when it takes on Switzerland in an exhibition game at the Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich.

Team USA looks to rebound from last week’s disappointing loss to Denmark with an improved performance and positive result against Switzerland.

Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann still is trying to identify young players who can make an impact going forward and continue to push his veterans to higher heights simultaneously. His twin goals have made Team USA’s post-World Cup period a bumpy one, as its results and performances have shown.

But it all could prove to be worthwhile if the United States comes together and wins the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off in June.

Switzerland is the latest powerful opponent on the United States’ schedule. Switzerland currently sits 12th in the latest FIFA rankings, and its march to the round of 16 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup shows the strength of head coach Vladimir Petkovic’s team.

Team USA hasn’t played Switzerland since Oct. 2007 when it won 1-0 in Basel.

#USMNT Michael Bradley's first career goal was the game-winner v. Switzerland. He also had a bit more hair! Watch: ussoc.cr/1OTTnJ9

Final, 3-2 Denmark: The game is over. Denmark beats the United States in Aarhus.

Bendtner’s first international hat trick consigned the United States to defeat. It look like Team USA might steal a win, but Bendtner scored twice in the last 10 minutes to overturn the visitors’ advantage and earn a deserved win.

That’s all for now and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

73rd minute, 2-1 United States: Team USA has improved with and without the ball following Johansson’s goal. It is playing the game higher up the field and has gained a greater share of possession than it had in the first 65 minutes.

67th minute, 2-1 United States: Rubin replaces the goal scorer Johansson and Yedlin comes on for Zardes, as Team USA makes a pair of substitutions.

66th minute, 2-1 United States: Johansson restores Team USA’s lead with a fine goal.

Shea first forced Rimando to make a scrambling save in the United States’ third of the field. A minute later, he beat his marker on the left and sent an enticing cross into Denmark’s penalty area, but no teammate reached the far post in time to direct it on goal.

57th minute, 1-1: Vibe half-volleys a shot wide of Rimando’s goal. Eriksen created the chance with a pinpoint pass over the top of the United States defense.

55th minute, 1-1: Team USA still is waiting to find some fluidity in its play. Denmark has maintained its advantages in possession and territory in the first 10 minutes of the second half, and Team USA is inviting potential destruction with giveaways in the midfield and errors at the back.

48th minute, 1-1: Rimando saves a shot but allows the ball to bobble underneath his arm toward the goal. Orozco rushes in and clears it out.

47th minute, 1-1: Bendtner breaks forward after the United States concedes possession in the midfield and hits a half-volley wide of the goal.

46th minute, 1-1: The second half is underway.

The United States made two substitutions during the interval. Morales replaced Bedoya in central midfield. Shea replaces Johnson on the left side of midfield.

Halftime, 1-1: That’s the end of the first half. It’s all square at NRGi Park.

The United States is fortunate to be tied at halftime. Altidore earned a full reward from the only half-chance Team USA created in the first half. Denmark dominated almost from the start, forcing Team USA to react to their every move. Team USA spent much of the half defending but remained shaky at the back throughout. The Americans offered little going forward, yet find themselves tied with host Denmark.

The United States struggled to maintain possession on the bumpy field. Wingers Zardes and Johnson made little impact, and fullbacks Chandler and Garza had alarmingly few chances to join play. Johansson was anonymous in the first half of his long-awaited return to the national team.

#USMNT had 36% possession in the first half, its lowest in a first half in the last four years.

45th minute, 1-1: Denmark comes close once again, playing a cross through the United States goal-mouth. No forward is there to poke it into the goal.

39th minute, 1-1: Denmark is in firm control of the game, dominating both possession and territory. The United States must figure out how to gain control of the ball and use it well in the second half. It hasn’t done so in the first.

38th minute, 1-1: Brooks heads a corner kick wide of Denmark’s goal.

36th minute, 1-1: Garza is cautioned for a studs-up tackle on the ever-dangerous Vibe.

33rd minute, 1-1: Denmark has reasserted control of the game and earns its reward, as Bendtner ties it up.

Wass crossed from deep on the right side. Garza and Chandler should have intervened before Vibe cleverly back-heeled to Bendtner, who tapped the ball home from inside the United States’ goal-mouth.

27th minute, 1-0 United States: Altidore’s game has given the United States fresh attacking impetus. Team USA is pressing play into Denmark’s half and earned two consecutive corner kicks, which don’t result in scoring chances.

25th minute, 1-0 United States: Kvist is cautioned for a hard foul on Altidore.

19th minute, 1-0 United States: Altidore scores against the run of play, and the United States has the lead.

Chandler sent a long cross into Denmark’s penalty area. Altidore held off two defenders to reach the bouncing ball and smashed it past Andersen at the near post. Altidore’s shot appeared to deflect off of Kjaer.

18th minute, 0-0: Eriksen blasts a shot from a tight angle over the goal.

The United States gifted Denmark a scoring chance with a giveaway and defensive mix-up in its own third.

16th minute, 0-0: Denmark creates more danger on the left. Krohn-Dehli crosses to the far post, but Bendtner is a half-step slow to arrive. He would have poked it home had he reached the ball sooner.

11th minute, 0-0: The United States has a nervous moment at the back, as Rimando mis-punches Eriksen’s cross. Luckily, the ball fell to Zardes, who was standing nearby and cleared it out of danger.

Seventh minute, 0-0: Denmark is first to establish a rhythm to its play, but the deep-lying United States defense prevents the hosts from crafting a scoring chance out of its early spell of possession.

Fourth minute, 0-0: The game has started slowly with neither team seizing the initiative early on.

2:30 p.m. ET: The U.S. men’s national soccer team takes the next step in its ongoing development Wednesday when it visits Denmark in an exhibition game at NRGi Park in Aarhus.

United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has selected a youth-heavy squad to face the Danes. Klinsmann hopes the intensity and scrutiny in northern Europe will help his team grow as this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup nears.

Team USA hasn’t fared well since the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

2 - #USMNT have won just two of seven games since the World Cup (2D 3L). They haven’t been held scoreless in any of these games. Attack.

The form of many players dipped toward the end of 2014, but they slowly are recovering due to competition and playing regular games. Team USA can expect to reap the benefits in the coming weeks and months, but Wednesday might be too early for Klinsmann’s group to deliver a vintage performance.

The United States has struggled in the past against Denmark.

1 - #USMNT have faced Denmark six times previously and have beaten them just once(3D 2L). They last met in 2009 with USA losing 3-1. Stiff.

Filed under: Live Blog, Marcus Kwesi O'Mard, Opinion, Premier League, Soccer, Top Stories, US Soccer]]>http://nesn.com/2015/03/usa-denmark-live-michael-bradley-captains-team-usa-for-first-time/feed/00Michael BradleynesnmomardLiverpool-Tottenham Live: Reds Down Spurs On Mario Balotelli’s Late Goalhttp://nesn.com/2015/02/liverpool-tottenham-live-reds-spurs-in-premier-league-clash-at-anfield/
http://nesn.com/2015/02/liverpool-tottenham-live-reds-spurs-in-premier-league-clash-at-anfield/#commentsTue, 10 Feb 2015 22:00:27 +0000http://nesn.com/?p=444038Read More »]]>Final, 3-2 Liverpool: The game is over. Liverpool wins and closes in on Tottenham in the Premier League standings.

Liverpool continued its mastery of Tottenham with a thrilling win at Anfield. Tottenham came from behind twice to tie the score, but Balotelli’s late goal gave the Reds a lead they would hold through the final whistle. Liverpool remains in seventh place but now is just three points out of third place and one behind sixth-placed Tottenham.

That’s all for now, and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

90th minute +2, 3-2 Liverpool: Kane is cautioned for grabbing Sakho.

The Tottenham striker accused Sakho of time-wasting and tries to lift him off the turf.

90th minute, 3-2 Liverpool: There will be a minimum of four minutes of added time in the second half.

88th minute, 3-2 Liverpool: Paulinho is cautioned for a foul on Lallana.

Halftime, 1-1: That’s the end of the first half. The score is tied at one.

The teams shared the ball and the goals in the first half with Markovic and Kane putting their names on the score sheet. The game was as even and competitive as the score itself. Spurs had slightly more possession, as Liverpool elected to create its most dangerous moments on the counter-attack. Sturridge had a few good chances to score in his first start since August. Lloris and his post prevented Sturridge from dancing at Anfield.

The result still hangs in the balance, and the game is bound to produce more flash-points. Both teams have been positive in the attack and passed the ball decently. Four players are on yellow cards, which only will add to the tension in the second half.

Tottenham had a decent spell of possession in Liverpool’s half. Lamela passed to Kane at the top of Liverpool’s penalty area. Sakho slipped, giving Kane the time and space he needed to beat Mignolet with a low shot.

It’s Kane’s 23rd goal in all competitions this season and his 13th in league play.

12 - Harry Kane has scored 12 goals in his last 15 appearances for Spurs in all competitions. Unstoppable.

Mignolet started the play by booting the ball upfield to Sturridge. The ball bobbled off of Sturridge straight to the on-rushing Markovic, who dribbled into Tottenham’s penalty area and shot with his left foot. Lloris should have saved it, but the ball bounced over his out-stretched hand into the goal.

The goal is Markovic’s second in the Premier League and third in all competitions this season.

Ibe, 19, retains his place in the starting lineup following his impressive performance Saturday against Everton.

Gerrard drops deeper into midfielder as a result of Lucas’ injury.

Markovic returns to the starting lineup. A back problem has limited the Serbian’s involvement in recent games. He was an unused substitute in Saturday’s Merseyside derby and was substituted in the second half of the two previous games.

Tottenham fields the same starting lineup it used in Saturday’s win over Arsenal. Bentaleb and Mason will look to provide protection and control as deep-lying midfielders. Lamela, Eriksen and Dembele will be Kane’s primary support in the attack.

12:30 p.m. ET: The race for a top-four finish in the Premier League reaches a critical point Tuesday when Liverpool hosts Tottenham at Anfield.

Tottenham and Liverpool currently are the fifth- and seventh-placed teams in the standings, respectively, and both have ambitions of playing in next season’s UEFA Champions League. One team can advance its own hopes while denting the others’ with a win.

Liverpool takes on Tottenham amid an eight-game unbeaten run. An improved defense has been key to Liverpool’s recent success, having earned four straight shutouts in league play.

However, the Reds will be short-handed against Tottenham with midfield shield Lucas Leiva and dynamic attacker Raheem Sterling both missing out due to injury. Daniel Sturridge could make his long-awaited return to the starting lineup in a game which pits his team against that of Harry Kane, England’s hottest striker at the moment.

Kane has fired Tottenham up the standings with 12 league goals this season, including two in the famous win over Arsenal on Saturday. The 21-year-old will lead Tottenham’s explosive attack and high-intensity defense into Anfield, as the London club looks to avoid a fifth-straight defeat against the Reds.

Liverpool-Tottenham kicks off at 3 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from Anfield.

The United States concludes its January camp with an encouraging win over Panama. Bradley and Dempsey gave Team USA a two-goal lead before halftime, and the defense held firm in the second period. The result ends the United States’ five-game winless run and is its first victory of 2015.

Players now will return to their clubs. Team USA returns to action in March with road games against Denmark and Switzerland.

That’s all for now, and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

90th minute, 2-0 United States: There will be a minimum of three minutes of stoppage time in the second half.

86th minute, 2-0 United States: Panama makes a rare, forward foray, which ends with Johnson collecting a deflected cross. It looks like Team USA will avoid the curse of the late goals and end its five-game winless run.

Panama made three changes during the interval. Murillo, Hormechea and Yau replace Ovalle, Escobar and Sanchez, respectively.

Halftime, 2-0 United States: That’s the end of the first half. Team USA leads by two.

The United States struts off the field with a two-goal lead in its pockets. Bradley and Dempsey led the way with goals, while Zardes and Altidore provided plenty of attacking thrust.

Panama should have scored at least once, through Perez and Davis early on. Perez spurned the best of the chances later on.

45th minute, 2-0 United States: There will be a minimum of one minute of stoppage time in the first half.

43rd minute, 2-0 United States: Altidore crosses to Zardes, who chests it straight into Bradley’s late run. Bradley shoots straight at Perez from 18 yards out to end the move. Team USA is in full flow.

41st minute, 2-0 United States: The referee cautions Ovalle for a foul on Zardes.

39th minute, 2-0 United States: It’s a nightmare turnover for Team USA, but Perez bails the Americans out.

Rimando passed to Besler, who slipped on the edge of the U.S. penalty area. Besler’s slip gifted Perez the ball, but the Panama striker sliced his shot wide of the target.

38th minute, 2-0 United States: The referee cautions Bradley.

37th minute, 2-0 United States: Dempsey doubles Team USA’s lead.

Zardes won the ball at the halfway line, cut inside and surged forward. The young winger slipped a through-ball to Dempsey, who rounded Penedo and poked it home.

25th minute, 0-0: Blackburn shows some deft control in the U.S. penalty area before making to a back-heel pass to Perez, who would have shot on goal had Shea and Jones not made a fine recovery tackle.

22nd minute, 0-0: Dempsey shoves Ovalles, who still is down on the field with an apparent injury. The Panama fullback should be able to continue.

21st minute, 0-0: Zardes frees himself inside Panama’s penalty area, turns and crosses into the goal mouth, but a Panama defender sweeps it out for a corner kick.

Team USA now is pushing the game into Panama’s half.

14th minute, 0-0: Parris floats a cross into the U.S. penalty area. Davis arrives first with a sliding shot, but the alert Rimando races off his line and blocks it away.

It was the best chance of the game so far.

Eighth minute, 0-0: Bradley is pushing forward in an effort to create higher up the field. The U.S. midfielder plays two dangerous passes — one to Altidore and the other to Dempsey — that almost turn into scoring chances.

Seventh minute, 0-0: Bradley heads a Panama free kick into the air inside the U.S. penalty area. Rimando rushes in and punches it clear.

Fifth minute, 0-0: Team USA is dominating possession but its attacking moves break down when it runs into the deep-seated Panama defense in the final third.

Kickoff: USA-Panama is underway at the StubHub Center.

Pregame: Klinsmann springs another surprise, starting Zardes and Ibarra on the wings and Shea at left back.

Shea, a winger by trade, impressed against Chile — Team USA’s most recent outing — as both a winger and conventional fullback.

Zardes and Ibarra will enjoy some home cooking. Zardes plays for hometown club Los Angeles Galaxy. Ibarra grew up in Southern California and has a host of family and friends in the stands. Both players start for the first time in their international careers.

The experiment with Jones at center back continues. The New England Revolution star partners with Besler. The two struggled against Chile and will look for an improved showing against Panama.

The Reds and the Toffees share the spoils from the 224th Merseyside derby, playing a competitive, but goal-less, draw. Liverpool had advantages over Everton in possession, territory and chances created but lacked the sharpness in the final third to score on Joel. The impressive Ibe came closest when he hit the post in the first half. Sterling could have done better with his chances in the second.

Everton will be content with the result but disappointed with the performance. The Blues offered little going forward and didn’t test Mignolet until the 87th minute. Pressure on Martinez only will grown after the drab outing against Everton’s neighbors.

It’s the latest draw in the Merseyside derby.

5 - Five of the last six Premier League Merseyside derbies have now ended in a draw. Equals.

Liverpool remains seventh in the standings with 39 points after 24 games. Everton is stuck in 12th place with 27 points from 24 games.

Liverpool returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League game at Anfield.

That’s all for now and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

90th minute, 0-0: There will be a minimum of three minutes of stoppage time in the second half.

88th minute, 0-0: Liverpool has another chance on the counter-attack. Sturridge slides a pass to Gerrard at the top of the Everton penalty area, but the Liverpool captain side-foots his shot wide of Joel’s goal.

87th minute, 0-0: Barkley sends a cross-field pass to Coleman, who shoots on goal. The shot deflects off of Sakho, and Mignolet spectacularly saves it away.

53rd minute, 0-0: Coutinho slips a pass forward to Sterling, who shoots off Joel’s knees instead of cutting it back to Gerrard.

51st minute, 0-0: Barry turns the ball over in the midfield, and Coutinho races forward on the counter. He passes to Sterling, who shoots from inside Everton’s penalty area. Joel saves Sterling’s shot without giving up a rebound.

The Reds and the Toffees are deadlocked so far at Goodison Park. The teams played fast and hard, as expected, but failed to muster the necessary quality to breach the opposing defense. Ibe came closest when he shot off the post, but that chance came through individual effort rather than collective endeavor.

The 19-year-old Ibe performed impressively in the first half. He brought energy, speed and bravery on the wide right.

Lucas’ injury made Liverpool more vulnerable defensively, but Everton couldn’t profit from it in the first half. Naismith was playing with a knock, and Mirallas for himself, while Lukaku often was isolated in wide areas or dropped too deep to trouble the Reds.

17th minute, 0-0: Sterling’s shot deflects off of a defender and rolls through the goal mouth. Ibe charges in at the far post, but Joel bats it out for a corner before the Liverpool rookie can smash it in.

15th minute, 0-0: There’s some bad news for Liverpool, as midfield linchpin Lucas limps off the field and heads straight to the bench.

10th minute, 0-0: Gerrard hits a free kick on target from 25 yards out, but Joel parries it over the crossbar.

Eighth minute, 0-0: Liverpool counters through Coutinho and Sterling, who holds up play inside Everton’s penalty area before shooting into the side netting. Sterling had other options, as his teammates remind him.

Eighth minute, 0-0: Everton has been more assertive than Liverpool in the opening minutes. The hosts’ high pressure has caused Liverpool to turn the ball over in its own half. This time, it ends when Mirallas crosses into the Reds’ penalty area. Mignolet collects it to end the danger.

Second minute, 0-0: Barry blocks Sterling’s shot, as Liverpool starts the game quickly.

11:30 a.m. ET: Steven Gerrard is set to walk into the Toffees’ den one last time.

Gerrrad is expected to feature when Liverpool visits Everton in a Premier League game Saturday at Goodison Park. It will the be the 224th meeting between the rivals, who both hail from Liverpool. For Gerrard, it will be his 33rd and final outing against the Toffees.

Liverpool will have plenty of momentum on its side as it travels across Stanley Park. It sits seventh in the Premier League standings with 38 points after 23 games and has lost just once in its last 13 games (in all competitions).

Defensive improvement has been key to the Reds’ recent success. If the Reds shut out Everton, it will be the first time since February 2011 that they have blanked four consecutive Premier League opponents. Brendan Rodgers has called on his players to show patience and composure in this encounter, which is like no other.

Brendan Rodgers: "Today is about playing with that calmness and composure. We know we will create chances." #LFChttp://t.co/ydeqX4mz2C

Everton has struggled in recent months, and the Toffees hope to turn around their season with a positive result against Liverpool. The Toffees occupy 12th place in the standings, and time is running out for them to play their way into next season’s UEFA Europa League.

Liverpool hasn’t lost to Everton in the last nine Merseyside derbies, but the Toffees have a habit of snatching points from the Reds — the 1-1- draw on Sept. 27 being the latest example.

Liverpool-Everton kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Join us right here for all the action from Goodison Park.